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School Scoop: On site at AAHS

The orchestra pit has taken form in the Tastefully Simple Performing Arts Center at Alexandria Area High School.

Located directly in front of the stage, the pit will allow musicians to perform in theater productions that require music, such as school musicals. The conductor is typically positioned at the front of the orchestra, facing the stage.

This will be a drastic difference from the makeshift orchestra corner that is currently set up for the upcoming spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, at Discovery Middle School. The orchestra for this production is positioned in front of the audience down stage right with a piece of fabric creating a barrier. It requires the first two rows of audience seats to be taped off.

Jessica Chipman, theater arts teacher and musical director, said that she and her fellow teachers are thrilled about the new pit.

“Even the students are excited,” Chipman stated. “I saw the gleam in their eyes when they heard the words ‘orchestra pit.’ I am so excited for the instrumental students!”

Annie Harman is a reporter for Echo Press and The Osakis Review. She grew up in Detroit Lakes and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a degree in print journalism and history in May 2012. Follow her on Twitter at annieharman.